Who won?
Following the announcement from the Ministry of Defence that six British soldiers are missing, believed killed, after an explosion hit an armoured vehicle in Afghanistan, today’s PMQs had a sombre mood. There was a notable absence of Tory backbenchers’ pantomime chanting along with their leader, and no last-minute anecdote about Mrs Bone’s political posturing over breakfast or Mr Bone’s morbid fascination with the prime minister’s potential demise.
Given the sad news, Ed used his first two questions to seek assurance from the prime minister on Britain’s mission in Afghanistan and our diplomatic strategy for a political settlement. Cameron’s answer showed clear consensus on the need to equip and train the Afghan government and armed forces, so prosperity and security can be ensured without the need for British troops on their national soil.
Ed used his remaining four questions to attack the ‘basic unfairness’ of the government for their broken promises on child benefit and working tax credits, highlighting how Cameron’s cuts are indiscriminate in hitting those on both low and middle incomes. Given that Cameron’s answers were largely rehearsed, recycled lines on the legacy of the Labour government and the need to make difficult decisions, I’d say Ed just about won this one.
Best question, answer, comment or joke?
Sharon Hodgson quoted Nadine Dorries saying ‘the problem is policy is being run by two public schoolboys who don’t know what it’s like to go to the supermarket and put things back on the shelves because they can’t afford it’. The quote from the thorn in his side clearly riled Cameron, who retorted that she should be celebrating the Nissan deal in her region, ‘instead of whatever nonsense she just read out’. And I thought Cameron was doing so well in actually attempting to answer the questions asked, in parliament’s weekly opportunity to hold their the leader of our country to account …
Best backbencher?
It was a tough call this week, with a great question from Dame Joan Ruddock on whether the Cameron is really proud of his welfare reforms in light of the removal of benefits for many children with disabilities. For me, the best backbencher was Paul Blomfield who highlighted the results of the debt management report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee. Instead of addressing the concerns of 60 per cent of people who are worried about their own debts, Cameron continued to lament the national deficit, showing just how out of touch he really is.
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